Egypt is the world's largest producer of dates, with an estimated output of 1.8 million tonnes in 2019, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Iran is the second-largest producer of dates, with an estimated output of 1.1 million tonnes in 2019, according to the FAO. Iran has a long history and tradition of date cultivation and consumption, and has over 400 varieties of dates
Saudi Arabia is the third-largest producer of dates, with an estimated output of 1.05 million tonnes in 2019, according to the FAO. Saudi Arabia is home to the sacred date palm, Ajwah, which is believed to have medicinal and spiritual benefits by Muslims
Algeria is the fourth-largest producer of dates, with an estimated output of 1 million tonnes in 2019, according to the FAO. Algeria has a diverse range of date palms, including the deglet nour variety, which is considered one of the finest and most sought-after dates in the world
Iraq is the fifth-largest producer of dates, with an estimated output of 0.67 million tonnes in 2019, according to the FAO. Iraq has a rich and ancient history of date cultivation and trade, and was once known as the land of the two rivers and the date palm